After Mike Brown killing, voter registration surges in Ferguson
More than 3,000 people in Ferguson, Mo. have registered to vote since the death of Michael Brown — a sign of rising interest that may indicate that the city of 21,000 is ready for change.
Since Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, shot and killed Brown, 18, voter registration booths and cards have popped up alongside protests in the city.
More than 3,000 people have registered to vote in Ferguson, Mo., since the death of Michael Brown — a surge in interest that may mean the city of 21,000 people is ready for a change.
Since a white police officer shot the unarmed black 18-year-old on Aug. 9, voter registration booths and cards have popped up alongside protests in the city and surrounding neighborhoods. The result: 4,839 people in St. Louis County have registered to vote since the shooting; 3,287 of them live in Ferguson.
The city’s population is two-thirds African American; five of its six city council members are white, as is its mayor. The St. Louis County Election Board does not record the races of eligible voters, but many believe the increase is a sign that Brown’s death has spurred renewed interest in politics and might mean more blacks will vote in the upcoming election.
The biggest issue on St. Louis County’s Nov. 4 ballot will be the race for county executive between Republican State Rep. Rick Stream and County Councilman and Democrat Steve Stenger.
Three Ferguson city council seats will be up for grabs in April.
Registering people to vote is just half of the battle. The true test will be if people show up to the poles.
Community leaders plan to take an active role in ensuring that voters show up to the polls.
Residents have until Wednesday to register in order to be able to vote. Black lives matter.
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